GC's Grammar Class 101

[TonyB06]

Originally Posted by delph998

Fellow GCers:

I consider myself to be a great writer, but there are times when I get stuck with words and need help. Everyone has a problem area when it relates to grammar. So let's discuss it and learn from each other.

Here are my issues. When do you use:

Effect/affect

whose/whom/who

I also have problems with prepositions, but I can't think of an example right now.

Two sources that I use and suggest:

The Elements of Grammar by Margaret Shertzer

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr., and E.B. White


...now, where is my DVD?!?

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by TonyB06

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr., and E.B. White

Great tool. But make sure you have the latest edition of any style book, because some of the rules we grew up with no longer apply.

For example it is now okay to start a sentence with But, And, and Because.

Ensure, insure, and assure can now be used interchangeably.

Use commas sparingly and mainly for clarity--more is not better.

The double dash, which is turned into a long dash by Word, seems to be replacing semi-colons.

The rule for using which v. that is overshadowed by the fact that if you use which, put a comma in front of it.

Business writing has become less formal, but the rules are still very much different than creative writing. Being a good writer is subjective to the type of writing you are doing. A good creative writer is not necessarily a good business writer and vice versa.

[DSTRen13]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

The rule for using which v. that is overshadowed by the fact that if you use which, put a comma in front of it.

You know, as often this rule is explained to me, I still don't understand when to use which v. that. My only consolation is that I don't think most people will notice when I'm wrong ...